Lukashenko confirms Wagner Group’s continued presence in Belarus despite leader’s death

On Friday, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko confirmed that the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary unit, will continue its operations in Belarus.

This statement comes despite recent satellite images suggesting a reduction in their camp size and the recent plane incident involving their leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Lukashenko, as reported by the BELTA agency, emphasized, “Wagner remains active in Belarus, regardless of some opposing views.”

He downplayed the significance of the satellite imagery, stating that the group’s core members would stay in the country.

He further noted that some members might be on break or residing elsewhere, “In a few days, about 10,000 will be here.”

While Lukashenko asserts that not all members need to be in Belarus presently, he emphasized that “those required by us and by the unit will continue to live here and collaborate with us.”

Andrí Demechenko, the spokesperson for Ukraine’s Border Service, commented on Ukrainian television about the Wagner Group’s presence in Belarus.

He mentioned that since the news of Prigozhin’s plane incident, Wagner mercenaries have gradually departed from Belarus.

“Clearly, since August 23, their number in Belarus has been decreasing,” stated Demechenko.

Despite monitoring the Russian mercenaries closely due to concerns about potential threats to Ukraine, Demechenko confirmed that the situation along the Ukrainian border remains stable, with no unusual activities detected.

Poland, which also shares a border with Belarus, expressed concerns, suggesting that the Wagner Group could now pose an increased threat, possibly operating under direct instructions from the Kremlin.

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